Job Search Strategy: LinkedIn is a vital career asset

LinkedIn is the most important asset for your job search and your career in general, bar none.

David Dirks

LinkedIn is the most important asset for your job search and your career in general, bar none.

I first joined in 2006, when LinkedIn was really in its early stage of development and few understood it. It was seen as only a place to go if you were looking for a job.

Over time, that has changed, and LinkedIn has become a serious tool not only for job search but also for expanding professional networking opportunities and business development.

LinkedIn is essentially your database of professional contacts. With more than 200 million users, it's a serious database at that. However, like anything else in life, it's only as good as your ability to leverage it.

Here are some ways to make sure you're getting the most mileage from your LinkedIn profile during 2013:

Grow your base of contacts. This is simple math. The more people you link with professionally, the wider and deeper your database is. A handful of contacts are fine if you've just opened your profile, but having hundreds makes it easier to find the kinds of people you need as you progress in your search for new jobs and business opportunities. The more people you know, the more chances someone in your contact list will know a hiring manager or key executive. Every time you meet people in either a business or social setting, find out if they are on LinkedIn and connect with them. Get recommendations for each position you've worked in that you have listed on your profile. Make sure they are from people whom you have worked for either directly or indirectly. A recommendation from your best friend doesn't count. Research your first-level connections and their databases to identify potential business connections. You can use the Advanced People Search to identify people with specific backgrounds where a mutual professional connection would make sense. This is how you increase your number of professional contacts over time. Then you can ask your first-level connection for an introduction to that person. Make your Background Summary compelling. What is it that you do? What value do you bring to the table? How are you different than others in your field? A great recent addition is the new Professional Gallery, which allows you to post images, videos and relevant documents to the top section of your profile. You can add these to your background summary for each of your listed positions in the "Experience" section of your profile. Want to differentiate yourself from the crowd? Your Professional Gallery is the place to do it. Join relevant LinkedIn groups and ... network. Many people I know join and forget. That's not going to do you much good if you sit there like a digital wallflower. Joining groups and joining in the dialogue is a great way to meet new like-minded professionals. I've used groups to find specific experts I needed on projects. Groups should be treated like a valuable resource.

LinkedIn can be a valuable tool, and it's getting better all the time. Use it wisely and it will help you in both your job search and career advancement.

David Dirks is the author of "Job Search Marketing: Finding Job Opportunities in Any Economy." You can find more information on his job search strategies at jobsearchmarketing.net and by listening to his podcasts at blogtalkradio.com/jobsearchmarketing.

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